LINUS TECH TIPS - New PTM7950 Cooling Solution .... Let's TEST IT

Summary

In this tech review, the host explores PTM 7950, a phase change material used as a thermal solution for CPUs and GPUs. They compare its performance with traditional thermal paste and other cooling methods, detailing the application process and 'cooking' the PTM to optimize heat transfer. The script includes a comprehensive test, revealing PTM 7950's superior heat dissipation and performance benefits over standard paste, especially in devices with limited cooling capabilities. The Linus Tech Tips' version of PTM 7950 is tested and found to be a legitimate and effective alternative to imported options, offering improved thermal conductivity and longevity.

Takeaways

• 🔧 PTM 7950 is a phase change material used as a thermal solution on heat sinks for CPUs or GPUs, enhancing heat transfer compared to traditional thermal paste.
• 🛠️ There are various thermal management options, including thermal paste, pads, liquid metal, and PTM 7950, each with its pros and cons.
• 💧 PTM 7950 comes as a liquid material that dries and turns into a solid with higher thermal conductivity than paste, improving heat dissipation over time.
• 📦 The script mentions purchasing PTM 7950 from a site called 'eby7' and recommends it on the Legion Discord, highlighting its effectiveness.
• 🚫 Liquid metal is noted as a potentially superior thermal solution but comes with risks due to its conductivity, which could damage the system if mishandled.
• 📦 Linus Media Group offers PTM 7950, eliminating the need for international purchases and providing a more accessible option for consumers.
• 💲 The Linus version of PTM 7950 comes at a price premium due to the convenience of local availability and potential import costs.
• 🔍 The script provides a detailed comparison between different thermal solutions, including thermal paste and PTM 7950, with PTM showing better performance.
• 🔨 The process of applying PTM 7950 is described, emphasizing the need for careful application and 'cooking' the material to ensure it solidifies properly.
• 📈 Benchmark results are presented, showing that PTM 7950 can lead to lower temperatures, higher performance, and potentially less throttling compared to thermal paste.
• 🌍 The script concludes that PTM 7950 is a worthwhile investment for those seeking better thermal performance, especially in devices with limited cooling capabilities.

Q & A

What is PTM 7950 and what does it stand for?

PTM 7950 is a phase change material, which is a thermal solution used to improve heat transfer from components like CPUs or GPUs to a cooling unit, similar to thermal paste but with enhanced performance after it dries and solidifies.

How is PTM 7950 different from traditional thermal paste?

Traditional thermal paste dries out over time, reducing its effectiveness. PTM 7950, on the other hand, starts as a liquid but solidifies after multiple heat cycles, increasing its thermal conductivity and maintaining its performance over time.

What are the alternatives to PTM 7950 mentioned in the script?

The alternatives to PTM 7950 mentioned include thermal paste, thermal pads, liquid metal, and other types of pads designed for specific components like VRMs.

What are the risks associated with using liquid metal as a thermal solution?

Liquid metal, while potentially offering the best thermal performance, is conductive and can damage the system if not applied properly, posing a risk of frying the components.

How does the application process of PTM 7950 differ from applying thermal paste?

PTM 7950 is applied in a similar manner to thermal paste, but it requires a process called 'cooking' the PTM, which involves running benchmarks to heat the material and allow it to transition into a solid state for optimal performance.

What is the source of PTM 7950 recommended by the script?

The script recommends purchasing PTM 7950 from a site called 'e by7', which is where the author has been buying it, and it is identified as Honeywell PTM 7950.

What is the significance of the term 'cooking the PTM' in the context of the script?

'Cooking the PTM' refers to the process of running the system at high temperatures to allow the PTM 7950 to transition from a liquid-like state to a solid state, which enhances its thermal conductivity.

How does the performance of PTM 7950 compare to thermal paste in terms of CPU temperatures and performance?

PTM 7950 results in significantly lower CPU temperatures compared to thermal paste, allowing for higher wattages and better performance, as demonstrated by the benchmark scores in the script.

What is the potential impact of using PTM 7950 on the longevity and noise levels of a system?

PTM 7950 can potentially reduce wear and tear on components due to lower operating temperatures, and it may also reduce fan noise since the system doesn't need to work as hard to dissipate heat.

How does the script evaluate the authenticity and performance of Linus PTM compared to Honeywell PTM 7950?

The script suggests that the Linus PTM appears to be authentic and performs at least as well as the Honeywell PTM 7950, if not slightly better, based on the benchmark results and temperature comparisons.